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Masterson
Marcelle “Marcie” Melton Masterson, who chronicled the goings on in Bertram and Oatmeal weekly for the Burnet Bulletin for many years in her “Out and About in Bertram” column, has died at the age of 75.
While the Bertram Enterprise may no longer exist as a newspaper, its legacy of promoting Bertram lived on in the weekly reports Masterson made faithfully for the Bulletin, collected from her many contacts throughout the Bertram community, who would make sure they met Masterson’s regular deadlines.
“There aren’t many things in life that you can say are guaranteed, but one was that, regardless of what was happening in her own life that week, Marcie would have a column detailing whatever was the news people in Bertram needed to know, ready for print,” said Lew K. Cohn, Bulletin managing editor. “She was always willing to lend a hand to make sure the greater Bertram area was covered in the pages of our newspaper, including promoting our first responders in our annual Hometown Heroes section.
“Her pride in and love for her community were inspiring as was her dedication to helping others and she will be greatly missed.”
Masterson also served as a former president and director of the Bertram Chamber of Commerce and as a director for the Oatmeal Festival, held each year in Bertram and the Oatmeal community. She also was the longtime secretary at the Bertram First United Church, where her husband, William Kirk Masterson, was a member.
“She was here for 16 years at the church and I have been here for 15,” said pastor Gordon Bergstrom. “She tackled everything with zeal. She probably did more than was her responsibility and she cared deeply for the church and admirably carried out her job.
“Marcie also did a lot behind the scenes. She created a lot of pamphlets and brochures for others and quite often was the one who put everything together and did all of the artistic work. And she never sought any credit for what she did.”
Masterson also lent her assistance to the Bertram Library and Thrift shop and the Bertram Food Pantry and she was especially helpful in promoting Team Becky Brizendine, begun by Tara Brizendine to honor and champion for her own mother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.
“She was a mom to me,” a heartbroken Tara Brizendine said of Masterson. “She was wonderful. She did so much for the community, but people don’t know because she never wanted recognition! We talked at least a couple times every day. She used to do all my flyers for all my Alzheimer’s stuff and she’s my biggest supporter in everything I do.
“We took her dinner (Saturday night) and I had a good conversation with her. She was happy. I knew she wasn’t well, but I was not expecting this! I dont know what to do!”
Arrangements for Masterson are pending with Jenkins Funeral Home, Burnet.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. September 18 at the church. Masks required at request of the family.
